Multi-mode lighting system with proximity sensor

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a lighting system capable of responding to user input provided via proximity sensors. In some embodiments, proximity sensors are communicatively coupled to a processor capable of receiving input from the sensors. The sensors may be arranged in a row such that an object moving down the row proximate to the sensors may trigger each sensor sequentially. In some embodiments, the lighting system may alter a beam configuration or cycle between various lighting modes in response to receiving input from the proximity sensors. In some embodiments, the order in which the sensor input is received may be used to determine which lighting mode to cycle to.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/827,504, filed Aug. 17, 2015,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

There are several situations in which a user may need to use a personallighting system. In the past, flashlights have been extremely popularfor use in these situations. However, recently users have begun torecognize the advantages of using a personal headlamp. For example, theuse of a headlamp frees up a user's hands to allow the user to performvarious tasks. However, the use of personal headlamps also presentsproblems that are not typically experienced by flashlight users. Forexample, when a user wearing the headlamp looks at a close object, lightmay be reflected into the eyes of that user. Additionally, having tomanually switch a headlamp between modes can be problematic when theuser's hands are dirty and/or slippery.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

Some of the systems and techniques described herein include a lightingsystem capable of switching between lighting modes in response to usergestures or hand signals. In particular, the disclosure is directed tousing a multitude of sensors to detect a direction of a hand movement,and changing modes of a lighting system based upon the detecteddirection of the hand movement. In accordance with at least someembodiments, the lighting system may cycle through lighting modes upondetecting a particular hand movement. Additionally, the disclosurediscusses a lighting system capable of adjusting beam patternsautomatically to reduce reflected light or glare. In particular, thelighting system may provide two or more light sources with differentdiffusion patterns. In some embodiments, reflected light from the two ofmore light sources may be detected and, in response to determining thatthe reflected light surpasses a threshold light level, one or more ofthe light sources may be extinguished.

Other features of the invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative example lighting system in which aproximate object may be detected;

FIG. 2 depicts an example circuit diagram for a lighting system, such asthe lighting system in FIG. 1, which enables a subset of light sourcesto be extinguished in response to detecting a light emission;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a lighting system in whicha beam configuration is altered automatically;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative example of an input detection techniquefor a lighting system, the input detection technique using proximitysensors;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative example of a lighting system thatresponds to user input detected via two proximity sensors;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative example headband for securely andcomfortably attaching a lighting system to a user;

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed view of a portion of the headband of FIG. 6,showing a strap, a molded-in tension lock, a pull tab, and a pull tabguide;

FIG. 8 depicts a battery disconnection feature that may be implementedin some embodiments of lighting systems;

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative flow diagram depicting an exampletechnique for cycling through lighting modes in accordance with at leastsome embodiments; and

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative flow diagram depicting an exampledistance detection mode in accordance with at least some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment beingdescribed.

Some embodiments described herein are directed to a portable lightingdevice in which movement of and/or reflection from a proximate objectmay be detected, and a mode of the portable lighting device can bechanged based upon the movement of the detected object. For example,FIG. 1 depicts a portable lighting device 102 from which electromagneticradiation 104 is being emitted. Also depicted in FIG. 1 is an object 106in proximity to the portable lighting device 102 and in the path of theelectromagnetic radiation 104. In this example, reflectedelectromagnetic radiation 108 may be detected by one or more sensors 110located on the lighting device 102.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the one or more sensors110 are each any structure that can detect reflected electromagneticradiation 108. As examples, the sensor 110 may be a photosensor, such asa photosensitive diode, a bipolar phototransistor, or a photosensitivefield-effect transistor. In some embodiments, the amount of lightdetected by the sensor may be compared to a threshold value to ensurethat the portable lighting device 102 responds only to a thresholdamount of reflected light.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the one or more sensorsare one or more infrared proximity sensors. The reflectedelectromagnetic radiation 108 detected by the infrared proximity sensorsis infrared light. In this example, the electromagnetic radiation 104may be infrared light emitted from one or more infrared emitters (e.g.,an infrared LED). The infrared light may be reflected by the object 106onto a first infrared sensor. As the object 106 moves, the infraredlight may be reflected onto one or more additional infrared sensors. Insome embodiments, a microprocessor may determine the direction of theobject's movement based on the order that the one or more infraredsensors are triggered.

FIG. 2 depicts an example circuit 200 which enables a subset of lightsources to be extinguished in response to detecting a light emission. Itshould be noted that this is only one illustrative example circuit, andone skilled in the art would recognize several alternativeimplementations using various electronic components. In FIG. 2, one ormore light sources 202 and 204 may be included in the circuit 200. Insome embodiments, a light source 202 may be placed in series with atransistor 206 or other electronic component capable of connecting ordisconnecting light source 202 from a power source, such as a battery208. In some embodiments, a photosensitive diode 210 may be used todetect incoming or reflected light.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, it may be beneficial todetermine that the light detected is greater than a threshold amount.This may be done to ensure that the circuit 200 responds to a sufficientlight level and is not responding to “noise,” such as that produced whenphotosensitive diode 210 is in photoconductive, or reverse biased, mode.The photosensitive diode 210 may be wired in series with a comparator210 that compares the received input voltage from the photosensitivediode 210 to a fixed reference voltage. In some embodiments, aphotosensitive diode 210 may be utilized in photovoltaic mode (in zerobias) such that the flow of current is restricted and a voltage is builtup. In these embodiments, a current may be produced once a voltagethreshold is reached. In some embodiments, the photosensitive diode 210may be combined in series with a not gate, or an inverter circuit.

By way of illustrative example, circuit 200 may be implemented in alighting device. light source 202 may be a “spot” (narrowly focused)light source and light source 204 may be a “flood” (broadly focused)light source. Upon detecting incoming light, photosensitive diode 210may produce an output voltage which may then be compared to a referencevoltage. The output voltage produced by the photosensitive diode 210 maybe inverted such that transistor 206 is active when the output is belowthe reference voltage. In this example, the spot light source 202 may beturned off when a sufficient level of light is detected by thephotosensitive diode 210.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a lighting system in whicha beam configuration is altered automatically. The lighting system mayalso be configured to change its beam configuration in order to reducereflected light. For example, the lighting system may include multiplelight sources active at a single time. Some of these light sources mayhave different patterns of diffusion. For example, a “flood” or broadbeam may provide less light to a wider area. A “spot” or narrow beam mayprovide a more intense light to a focused area. In at least someembodiments, the lighting system may be configured to turn on/off one ormore light sources under specific conditions. For example, consider alighting system that includes both a flood light source and a spot lightsource active at the same time. The lighting system may include aphotovoltaic diode capable of detecting reflected or incoming light. Ifthe photovoltaic diode detects a sufficient amount of incoming light,then the lighting system may be configured to extinguish the spot lightsource, leaving only the flood light source active.

In FIG. 3, a lighting device 302 is depicted as having multiple lightsources with varying beam patterns. For example, a lighting device maycomprise light sources that create a wide beam 304 and a narrow beam306. In FIG. 3, when an object 308 is placed within the path of one ormore of the beams, light may be reflected back toward the lightingdevice. In some embodiments, once a threshold light level is detected atthe lighting device, one or more of the light sources may beextinguished, changing the configuration of the light beams. In thecurrently illustrated example, when object 308 is placed proximate tolighting device 302, the light source providing the narrow beam 306 isextinguished.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative example of an input detection techniqueusing proximity sensors. In FIG. 4, multiple proximity sensors 402 maybe aligned in one or more rows. The proximity sensors 402 may beinfrared proximity sensors or any other sensor capable of detecting aproximate object. In accordance with at least some embodiments, thesensors 402 may be arranged in an array, or multiple rows. In accordancewith at least some embodiments, the multiple proximity sensors 402 maycomprise two sensors 402 spaced apart vertically or horizontally.

Each of proximity sensors 402 may be connected to one or moreprocessor(s) 404 capable of processing sensor input. As an object 406triggers one or more proximity sensors 402, a signal 408 is received bythe processor 404. Based on the order in which signals 408 are receivedby the processor 404, the processor 404 may determine a direction ofmovement for the object 406. The processor 404 may be further connectedto one or more light sources and may control one or more lighting modesof the light sources.

In some embodiments, one or more proximity sensors 402 may take theplace of the photosensitive diode of FIG. 2. For example, an infraredproximity sensor may be used to detect a proximate object. In thisexample, a beam configuration of the lighting system may be alteredautomatically upon determining that the object has been detected by theinfrared proximity sensor. In accordance with at least some embodiments,a single infrared light source may be used in conjunction with multipleinfrared proximity sensors. For example, a centralized infrared LED maybe used to emit infrared light that may then be detected by one or moreof the infrared proximity sensors as it is reflected off of an object406.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosure, thepersonal lighting system may include multiple sensor devices and one ormore microprocessors. In some embodiments, the sensors may be situatedin a row, such that a movement of a close object along the row willtrigger each sensor sequentially and enable a microprocessor todetermine the direction of the object's movement. The sensors may beadditionally or alternatively arranged in an array, or multiple rows,such that an object's movement may be detected in multiple directions.In at least some embodiments, the system may include only two sensorssuch that if the two sensors are each triggered sequentially, themicroprocessor can determine the direction of an object's travel.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosure, thelighting system may have one or more lighting modes. For example, thelighting system may adjust the brightness of its light source, changethe color of the emitted light, provide a “strobe” function, or provideany other suitable lighting mode. In accordance with at least someembodiments, the lighting system may switch modes in response toreceiving input from the microprocessor. In some embodiments, thelighting system, upon receiving an indication to change modes, may cyclethrough various modes. For example, after a first indication, thelighting system may change the color of the emitted light. After asecond indication, the lighting system may activate the strobe function.After a third indication, the lighting system may return to its regularlight emission style. As an example of another mode change, thebrightness of the light source may be adjusted in a number of ways. Forexample, the lighting system may adjust the power provided to the lightsource, the pulse frequency of the light source, or it may turn on/offone or more light sources in a plurality of light sources.

By way of illustrative example, a user utilizing the lighting system maywave his finger or hand in front of the lighting system. In thisexample, the lighting system may have two infrared sensors capable ofdetecting the user's hand wave at two separate points. A microprocessormay receive the signals from each of the two sensors and determine thedirection of the wave based on the order in which the signals arereceived. In this example, if the user waves his hand from left toright, the lighting system may cycle through brightness levels. If theuser waves his hand from right to left, the lighting system may cyclethrough various lighting modes. In this way, it is envisioned that eachfunction of the multi-functional lighting system may be activatedwithout touching the lighting system.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative example of a lighting system 500 thatresponds to user input detected via two proximity sensors. In lightingsystem 500, two proximity sensors (502 and 504) may be located somedistance apart. In the currently depicted example, one or more lightsources (506, 508, and 510) as well as one or more sensors (such asphotosensitive diode 512) may be located in between the two proximitysensors 502 and 504. In at least some embodiments, one of light sources506, 508, and 510 may be an infrared emitting light source capable ofbeing utilized by infrared proximity sensors.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the lighting system 500may include one or more processors 514 capable of receiving input fromthe proximity sensors 502 and 504. In accordance with at least someembodiments of the disclosure, the lighting system 500 may have one ormore lighting modes. For example, the lighting system 500 may beconfigured to provide a high, medium, and/or low intensity output mode.Additionally, the lighting system may be configured to providealternative color modes, a strobe mode, a spot mode (e.g., having anarrowly focused beam), a flood mode (e.g., having a broad beam) or anyother suitable lighting mode. To produce the various lighting modes, thelighting system may have multiple types of light sources. For example,the lighting system may have a flood light source 506, a spot lightsource 508, and/or one or more alternative color light sources 510. Inaccordance with at least some embodiments, the lighting system may beconfigured to switch lighting modes in response to receiving input fromthe processor 514. In some embodiments, the processor 514 may beconfigured to cycle between various lighting modes upon detecting inputfrom the sensors 502 and/or 504.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the lighting system 500may be configured to respond to an object 516 placed close to thesensors. In some embodiments, the processor 514 may be configured toswitch to a specific mode upon receiving input from sensor 502 and/orsensor 504. For example, covering one sensor or the other may causelight sources on one side of the lighting system 500 or the other to beextinguished. In some embodiments, covering both sensors at the sametime may cause the light sources to be put in low intensity mode. Forexample, a user may cover the lighting system 500 with his or her handand, in response, the processor may be configured to dim the lightsources. As described elsewhere in this specification, the lightingsystem's beam configuration may be altered automatically in response todetecting an object 516 placed in proximity to the lighting device. Forexample, when the object 516 is detected in proximity to the lightingsystem, a light source providing a spot beam may be extinguished.

The processor may also be configured to respond to the movement of anobject 516 in a particular direction. For example, if the sensors 502and 504 are each triggered sequentially, the processor may be configuredto provide a different output based on the order in which the sensors502 and 504 are triggered. In some embodiments, the processor may beconfigured to cycle through lighting modes in a particular order basedon the direction of the object's travel. In some embodiments, theprocessor may be configured to cycle between different sets of lightingmodes based on the object's direction of travel. For example, the objectmoving left to right may result in cycling between strobe mode, redlight mode, and normal mode. In this example, the object moving right toleft may result in cycling between low intensity mode, medium intensitymode, and high intensity mode. In some embodiments, the processor mayalso respond to the timing of sensor triggering. For example, a shorterelapsed time between a signal from a first sensor and a signal from asecond sensor may indicate a quicker movement of the object. In thisexample, the processor may be configured to cycle straight to aparticular mode. By way of illustration, if the processor detects aquick movement of an object from left to right, then it may beconfigured to cycle straight to a high intensity mode.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosure, thelighting system may include an attachment means (e.g., a strap, band,clip, or any other suitable means for attaching the lighting system to aperson or object). In some embodiments, the lighting system may includean elastic band with a pull tab, a pull tab guide, and a molded intension lock. FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative example means for securelyand comfortably attaching a lighting system to a user. In FIG. 6, alighting system 602 is depicted as connected to an elastic strap 604.Strap 604 may comprise a band of plastic, rubber, fabric, or any othersuitable elastic material. Strap 604 may be wound through one or moretension locks 606 in order to secure the strap 604 to the lightingsystem 602. In some embodiments, the lighting system 602 may be fittedwith a back plate 608 made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber, orplastic having a lower durometer) that is capable of contouring to anobject or person.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the strap 604 may includea pull tab 610 that may be used to adjust the tightness of the strap604. Additionally, one or more pull tab guides 612 may be provided tokeep the pull tab 610 aligned with the strap 604. Pull tab guides 612may consist of hard material (e.g., mid to high durometer plastic).

FIG. 7 depicts a blow-up diagram of a portion of a strap, a tension lock702, a pull tab 704, and a pull tab guide 706. Tension lock 702 may beany means of creating friction or tension in the strap, such as aladderlock, buckle, or any other suitable tensioning means. In someembodiments, tension lock 702 may be molded into, or attached to, alighting system such that the strap forms a connection with the lightingsystem. In some embodiments, pull tab 704 may include a spacer 708capable of exerting outward pressure upon the pull tab guide 706. Thismay prevent the pull tab 704 from being pulled through the pull tabguide 706 and may also provide friction to prevent unwanted movement ofthe pull tab 704 or pull tab guide 706. In the currently depictedillustration, pulling on the pull tab 704 in the direction of the arrowmay result in a tightening of the strap.

FIG. 8 depicts a battery disconnection feature that may be implementedin some embodiments of the lighting system. In accordance with at leastsome embodiments, a lighting system 802 is depicted as including a frontsection that is capable of sliding forward. In this example embodiment,a gap 804 created by sliding the front plate forward may be configuredto sever a connection between the battery and the light source,preventing the battery from continuing to be drained over time. In thisexample embodiment, the front plate may slide back into place tocomplete the connection between the battery and the light source.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative flow diagram 900 depicting an exampletechnique for cycling through lighting modes in accordance with at leastsome embodiments. In FIG. 9, a portable lighting device may start in anOff mode (i.e., an unpowered state). The user may be required to click(or suppress) a button in order to power on the portable lightingdevice. Once powered-on, a microprocessor included in the portablelighting device may be configured to cycle through various lightingmodes 904 in response to detecting one or more user interactions. Theportable lighting device may be provided with one or more buttons usedto provide user input. In some embodiments, the portable lighting devicemay include a single button that may be used to provide multiple userinputs based on the length of time that the button is suppressed. Forexample, if the microprocessor detects that the button is pushed andimmediately released, then it may be configured to cycle to the nextlighting mode. The microprocessor may also be configured to cycle to thenext lighting mode 904 upon detecting that a hand gesture has beenperformed 908. In some embodiments, the user may be able to suppress abutton for a length of time. For example, if the microprocessordetermines that the button has been suppressed for more than 5 seconds,then the microprocessor may be configured to turn the portable lightingdevice off. Additionally, the microprocessor may be configured to skiplighting modes upon detecting particular conditions. For example, upondetermining that the button has been suppressed for a period of timeless than 5 seconds, but greater than or equal to 3 seconds, themicroprocessor may be configured to skip the next lighting mode in thecycle and go straight to a particular mode 912.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative flow diagram 1000 depicting an exampledistance detection mode in accordance with at least some embodiments. Aportable lighting device may include a distance detection mode that maybe activated at 1002 by powering the portable lighting device on or bycycling to the lighting mode using the technique illustrated in FIG. 9.In some embodiments, the portable lighting device may be pre-loaded witha pre-set value (e.g., a light threshold). This threshold may be pre-setprogrammatically (e.g., by storing the threshold value in memory) or itmay be pre-set electronically (e.g., by using one or more comparatorcircuits as described in FIG. 2).

Upon acquiring a light input by the sensor at 1006, the portablelighting device may compare the acquired signal to the pre-set value at1008. For example, the portable lighting device may use a microprocessorto determine whether the acquired signal is greater than the storedpre-set threshold value. In another example, the portable lightingdevice may include a photosensitive diode in circuit with a comparator.In this example, a second input may be provided to the comparator to actas a threshold value. If the acquired value is determined to be greaterthan the threshold value, then one or more light sources may beextinguished at 1010. Otherwise, the light sources may be kept on at1012 (or turned back on). It is envisioned that this process maycontinue indefinitely until the portable lighting device is powered offor the lighting mode is changed.

Described in the current disclosure is a lighting system assemblyconfigured to provide an adjustable light source for a user. One skilledin the art would recognize that a number of lighting systems may utilizethe techniques described. It should be noted that lighting systemsincluding the described techniques are equivalent to the those describedin the current disclosure. For example, the provided system andtechniques may be implemented as a flashlight, a personal headlamp, alantern, or any other suitable lighting system. However, aspects andfeatures described herein are particularly suitable for portablelighting systems, such as flashlights or headlamps. Such portablelighting systems include an integrated power source, such as one or morebatteries, so that the lighting system can be utilized by an individualfor illumination during nighttime or low light tasks or activities. Thelighting system may include, inter alia, multiple light-emitting diodes(LEDs), one or more light detection sensors (e.g., a photovoltaicdiode), proximity sensors, and/or a microprocessor.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting apparatus comprising: a housingconfigured to encompass: one or more batteries; one or more sets oflight sources positioned generally facing a first direction, includingat least: a first light source configured to produce a first beamconfiguration; and a second light source configured to produce a secondbeam configuration different from the first beam configuration; and oneor more sensors positioned facing the first direction, said one or moresensors configured to detect incoming light from at least one of thefirst and second beam configurations reflected back toward the one ormore sensors from an object; an electronic circuit connected to thefirst and second light sources and the sensor and configured toextinguish one of the first light source or the second light sourcewhile maintaining illumination of the other so long as, and in responseto receiving an indication that, incoming light from at least one of thefirst and second beam configurations reflected back toward the one ormore sensors from said object has been detected by the one or moresensors.
 2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or moresensors comprises a photosensitive diode.
 3. The lighting apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the first light source or the second light source isextinguished in response to the photosensitive diode detecting an amountof light above a threshold light level.
 4. The lighting apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first light source is configured to produce anarrow beam in the first direction and the second light source isconfigured to produce a broad beam in the first direction.
 5. Thelighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lighting apparatus is apersonal headlamp device.
 6. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe electronic circuit is further configured to turn the extinguishedlight source back on in response to no longer receiving the indicationthat incoming light has been detected by the one or more sensors.